A high-level programming language developed by Sun
Microsystems. Java was originally called OAK, and was designed for
handheld devices and set-top boxes. Oak was unsuccessful so in 1995 Sun
changed the name to Java and modified the language to take advantage of
the burgeoning World Wide Web.

Java is an object-oriented language similar to C++, but simplified to
eliminate language features that cause common programming errors. Java
source code files (files with a .java extension) are compiled into a
format called bytecode (files with a .class extension), which can then
be executed by a Java interpreter. Compiled Java code can run on most
computers because Java interpreters and runtime environments, known as
Java Virtual Machines (VMs), exist for most operating systems, including
UNIX, the Macintosh OS, and Windows. Bytecode can also be converted
directly into machine language instructions by a just-in-time compiler
(JIT).

Java is a general purpose programming language with a number of features
that make the language well suited for use on the World Wide Web. Small
Java applications are called Java applets and can be downloaded from a
Web server and run on your computer by a Java-compatible Web browser,
such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer.

The Java Tutorials are practical guides for programmers who want to use
the Java programming language to create applications. They include
hundreds of complete, working examples, and dozens of lessons. Groups of
related lessons are organized into "trails".
For the most accurate and up-to-date tutorials, please access the latest
version from Sun's official website for the Java SE Tutorials (Last
Updated 3/14/2008), which can be found at: http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial.

The Java Tutorials describe features that are new for Java SE 6. For
best results, download JDK 6.

Javabeginner.com is a beginner Java tutorial site that attempts
to teach basics of Java programming Language in plain English using huge
number of java source code examples spread across various topics. This
site is for absolute starters to learn java who do not require
any prerequisite Java knowledge. This site can also be used by advanced
java developers. This site has links to some of my other sites that will
help you in learning advanced Java topics and other technical
subjects.

"I have created this brief tutorial not in order to be an exhaustive
Java resource, but rather to introduce readers to the concepts of object
oriented programming in a way that is non-threatening. If all goes well,
we'll have you all in pocket protectors before the end of the hour."